Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was first developed to observe the pancreas more clearly without interference from the air and the abdominal wall. EUS is currently being used as an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for various gastrointestinal diseases. Until recently, a radial echoendoscope with a vertical scanning plane has been mainly used, but a linear echoendoscope (linear EUS) with a parallel scanning plane has been recently developed. With the introduction of linear EUS, it is possible to perform many interventional procedures, including fine needle aspiration, and the field of EUS has been greatly expanded. This article briefly reviews the accepted procedures and the new trials using linear EUS. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2009;38:1-8)

• Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasonography, Interventional ultrasonography